By: Natalie M. Zeigler
City Manager
For a long time, East College Avenue has been a concern of many Hartsville residents. In response to this concern, the City undertook ownership of the road after Darlington County Council approved the revision of an ordinance that would allow the City to spend Multi-County Business Park funds for this purpose. Since then the City has been implementing major upgrades to both the parking lots and road. We are excited that this project will finally be coming to an end over the following weeks.
Our downtown merchants and our residents have dealt with the construction in creative and innovative ways. Downtown businesses have offered construction sales and have resourcefully advertised their business throughout the project. We appreciate your patience during this time of progress. Though this project was a great frustration for most, it was a necessary frustration for the investment of our downtown and of our local businesses. The East College Avenue area will now become a branded fixture in our downtown and an enhanced connection to Coker College.
In addition to the condition of the previous road, walkability and other system upgrading were considered in the initial design of the project. Since the beginning of the East College Avenue construction, major improvements have occurred to the block such as sidewalk improvements, landscaping advancements, new water services, and fresh pavement. The final paving is projected to occur within the next few weeks which will bring the project to a close.
The City recognizes that there are many roads within our limits that are in need of attention. However, we are unable to fix each of these issues. Most of these roads are not owned by the City and are therefore maintained by either private individuals, Darlington County, or by the South Carolina Department of Transportation. We encourage those who have complaints about these roads to contact SCDOT directly. The regional office can be contacted at 843-393-6171; the state office can be contacted at 803-737-2314. The Darlington County Roads and Bridges Department can be contacted at 843-393-0287 or 843-398-4054.
We hope that the College Ave project is just the beginning of further progress to our City’s downtown and its infrastructure. We anticipate that this block will become a fixture in the community and a gateway to Coker College. Businesses that were once out of direct eyesight of any passersby may now have an opportunity to have a spotlight shined on them. Thank you again for your patience and support.
Natalie Zeigler is the City Manager of Hartsville. For more information, call City Hall at 843-383-3015 or email info2@hartsvillesc.gov.